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Chinese Father’s Controversial Method to Help Ailing Daughter Sparks National Debate
A Chinese father’s decision to have his two-year-old daughter, who suffers from severe thalassemia, play in a pre-dug grave has ignited widespread public discussion.
According to a report by Khaosod Online Thailand published on August 15, 2026, a Chinese father named Zhang Liyong has drawn significant attention for his unconventional approach to helping his two-year-old daughter cope with her terminal illness. The child was born with severe thalassemia, a condition requiring frequent blood transfusions and posing risks to her heart and development.
Facing mounting medical costs exceeding 140,000 yuan—far beyond the family’s monthly income of 2,500 yuan—Zhang dug a grave on family land. He brought his daughter to play in the pit, which he referred to as her “final resting place,” hoping to desensitize her to the concept of death.
This action has polarized public opinion. While some express sympathy for the family’s financial struggle and call for government intervention, others criticize the act as a violation of cultural taboos and accuse the father of using his child’s suffering to garner attention. For residents and travelers in the region, this story highlights the intense social and economic pressures faced by families dealing with chronic illnesses in China. While the story has gained national attention, the long-term impact of this psychological approach on the child and the potential for official support remain to be seen.